Prime Minister Vlad Filat and his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk today participated in the EU-Moldova forum held in Chisinau on 29-31 March, the government’s communications and press relations department has said. Moldpres.

14.04.2011

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The two premiers delivered speeches within the session titled „European Integration and Moldova. Challenges, obstacles, prospects”. Vlad Filat said that this forum clearly proves the intensity of the Moldovan-EU dialogue, noting that Moldova managed to establish cooperation ties with the European Union based on democratic values.

He said that the support offered by the EU serves as a strong incentive for the current government, which has set Moldova’s EU integration as a top priority. – We are aware of the fact that the credit of confidence given by the EU to Moldova should be directly proportionate to our commitment to implement the European reforms needed by the country. Difficult reforms are better understood and promoted in society when we have clearly-shaped prospects – Filat said.

Filat spoke about the steps taken by Moldova to get closer to the European Union, such as the signing of an association agreement, the liberalization of the visa regime with the EU and the signing of a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement. Filat praised cooperation within the Eastern Partnership both at bilateral and multilateral levels.

– The commitments we have undertaken should facilitate the creation of adequate conditions for political association and economic integration into the EU, by signing the Association Agreement in consistency with the provisions of the Eastern Partnership. Although we have proved that we have a pragmatic approach towards the things we expect to obtain from the EU, I believe that the European prospect is the motivation that will make it possible to fully implement reforms in all the fields of activity. It is obvious that reforms are being implemented for our sake, not for the sake of the EU. Yet, the prospects of accession to the EU will certainly boost this process. The countries that have pursued this path have experienced this, Filat said.

The premier also spoke about the need to reform the law enforcement institutions, the actions taken to create a functional economy, the liberalization of the air service market and the attraction of low-cost companies, attraction of investments and development of the energy sector.

Filat noted that Moldova is the single country within the Eastern Partnership that has benefited, since March 2008, from the EU autonomous trade preferences – an asymmetrical trade regime given by the EU only to the Western Balkan countries and Moldova. Filat welcomed the EU’s recent decision to increase the quota of Moldovan wines to the EU market.

– In conclusion, I would like to assure you that Moldova will be consistent in its actions. We are still facing major challenges, including the domestic reforms, but it is important to start the integration process within the country. Moldova is a European country with European people. The leadership’s political will meets the population’s expectations. We are committed to reform our institutions in order to have a functional democracy, which will bring us closer to the EU. We want to secure decent living standards for the Moldovan citizens and we further rely on the support of our European partners, Filat said.

For his part, Donald Tusk said that the EU integration path is not an easy one. Yet, it is open for all ambitious people who aim at changing things for the better. Donald Tusk said that Poland backs the countries that are seriously involving in crossing the EU integration path, Moldova being a good example in this respect. The Polish premier said that a European country should be based on values.

– The democracy and freedom are the values that improve people’s lives. Poland’s way to the EU integration was considered a successful one. Thus, we are willing to share our experience and we are very happy when other countries manage to do it better – Donald Tusk said.

The Polish premier said that the EU’s hope lies with those people and politicians who believe in its extension, who are brave and who pay efforts to integrate their country into the European community.- Moldova is in Europe, despite the fact that it is still beyond its borders. The Moldovan leadership has proved its serious commitment towards the European dream. Its determination in this respect is a very important tool in the EU integration process, the Polish premier said.

Donald Tusk said that Poland will unconditionally back Moldova on its EU integration path. He noted that during its presidency of the Council of the European Union, Poland will pay efforts to settle a string of problems faced by Moldova, including the Transnistrian one.- The European Union needs Moldova, just as Moldova needs the EU. I wish you to attain the expected results in this direction , Donald Tusk said.